3 standout players from the North London Derby triumph at Tottenham
By Toby Hill
![LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 15: Aaron Ramsdale of Arsenal celebrates during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on January 15, 2023 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 15: Aaron Ramsdale of Arsenal celebrates during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on January 15, 2023 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/47c492ab1b409a2f9a34f0c4b357916d588af55aba1a848c0b7f7202b215515a.jpg)
2. Thomas Partey
Arsenal’s three in midfield, in comparison to Spurs’ two, helped them break through the press, and Partey was key in doing so.
He seemed to always be a few seconds ahead of the opposition players. When receiving the ball, he would turn and progress forward or play it back and away from danger. It was the perfect mix of progression and patience.
His performance was most notable for Odegaard’s goal. After Lloris was forced long, the second ball fell to Partey and, even when under pressure from three Tottenham players, he found Bukayo Saka who assisted Odegaard to double the lead.
The Ghanaian is the only player in the side who can do what he does to the level he does. The drop-off in quality when Sambi Lokonga of Mohammad Elneny play is clear. Partey is vital to Arsenal’s success and an injury would be extremely damaging.
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